Ever dreamed of using your medical skills and knowledge to help others in a breathtaking place? Kenya offers a chance to make a real healthcare impact thanks to medical volunteer programs.
But why Kenya, to be specific? Because it gives you the opportunity to:
Make a Real Difference
In 2018, there were a mere 17 doctors for every 100,000 patients in Kenya. In 2022, the number stood at 19 per 100,000. This falls way below the 2.5 medical staff per 1000 people that’s recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
As a medical volunteer, taking your services to Kenya might make a huge difference to the population. You can use your skills and knowledge to provide much-needed quality health care to people who may not otherwise have access to it. You may find yourself assisting with basic check-ups, health education, or working alongside other healthcare professionals in medical centers.
Gain Valuable Experience
Kenya, like most other African countries, is still plagued by diseases that have been long eradicated in many advanced countries. Take the example of Malaria. Kenya reports an average of 6.7 million cases every year, with about 70% of the population at risk. On the other hand, the US records only about 2000 cases, per the CDC. Most of these cases aren’t even homegrown. They are from people traveling to malaria-prone zones.
What this example shows is that volunteer services in Kenya might expose you to such diseases and equip you with ways to handle them. This gives you a broader understanding of medicine. But not only that; you’ll learn a lot from how the Kenyan system works, the different treatment approaches available, and so on. This experience will give you fresh perspectives on patient care.
Volunteer opportunities in Kenya can also bolster your resume and skill set. It can show future employers that you’ve got initiative and cultural awareness. These factors make you a stronger candidate for prospective jobs.
Challenge Yourself
What better way to challenge yourself than to volunteer abroad? For one, you get to step outside your comfort zone and adjust to a different environment with new customs, routines, and even language.
But not only that. Kenya, like many other African countries, has a severe shortage of medical supplies and equipment, especially in rural areas. Volunteering there will equip you with novel and creative solutions for patient care that you can then use to improve the lives of Kenyans. These skills can come in handy in your future medical endeavors, be it in equally hardy locations or more advanced ones. These challenges also help build resilience and resourcefulness and strengthen your communication skills.
Immerse Yourself in a New Culture
There are about 42 tribes in Kenya. Volunteering in this country is then a great opportunity to meet all these people and learn about their culture and way of life. You’ll get to witness firsthand Kenya’s diverse cultural expressions through traditional dances, music, and ceremonies.
Feeling adventurous? Learn a few greetings in Swahili or another local language. It opens doors to foster deeper connections with the local community you serve and makes your experience even more meaningful. But the learning doesn’t stop there. You can join in local games, lend a hand with farming, or participate in cultural events. These everyday activities will help you truly understand Kenyan customs and values.
Expand Your Network
Volunteering in Kenya can grant you access to a whole cadre of medical experts and colleagues. Some will be local doctors and medical professionals, others will be volunteers like yourself. You’ll collaborate and learn from them, build friendships, and gain a whole new global perspective, thanks to the experiences.
Explore the Beauty of Kenya
Of course, it’s a medical volunteer program that brings you to Kenya, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t take some time to see the beauty of the country. From game safaris to pristine beaches to mountain peaks and great lakes, Kenya isn’t short of places to explore and things to do.
So, make time to visit the Big Five in Maasai Mara, the beaches in Mtwapa, or go rock climbing in Kisumu or boat-riding in Turkana. These escapes can go a long way in helping you cope with the stress that comes with your medical practice and volunteer work.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering in Kenya gives you the opportunity to use your medical skills to better the lives of others. It also gives you the chance to build connections and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
We at International Medical Aid would like to be your partners in making this memory. Visit our website today, explore volunteer opportunities, and begin your journey with us.
